Whether they're on tricycles, in-line skates, bikes or skateboards, kids love to show off their tricks. Support that passion with a birthday party on wheels.
Skate parks
Recreation areas in Burlington, Williston and Bristol have skate parks where you can invite guests to bring their ride of choice — complete with helmet and pads, of course — and pedal or push to their heart's content. Make the refreshments picnic-style with things that don't need refrigeration, add something sweet, and you're good to go. (Tip: The Burlington Skate Park Advisory Committee has recently unveiled new plans for that park. You can follow "Burlington, VT Skatepark Redevelopment" on Facebook).
Talent SkatePark
For the 8- to 15-year-old crowd, you can get serious and rent out Talent Skatepark in South Burlington. Guests can rent a skateboard, in-line skates, helmets and pads, or bring their own. Cost is $100 an hour for the park, or $129 an hour to add a private room. Refreshments are on you. The most popular times are Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday mornings, so plan ahead and book in advance. Hard helmets only, please. Find more information at talentskatepark.com.
Stay home
You can also easily put on a party at (or near) home with any paved surface. If you've got a group of 3-year-olds and some sidewalk chalk, add a few orange cones, and you've got a tricycle obstacle course in your driveway, cul-de-sac or local basketball court. Worried about staying safe? The Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition's website, vtbikeped.org, is a great local resource.
Katrina Roberts is a Kids VT account executive and Realtor who live in Monkton with her husband, Kids VT publisher Colby Roberts, and their three girls. Got an idea for the Party Planner? Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.
